Introduction

The UHS library is a specialized medical/health sciences library intended to serve the faculty, students, researchers and staff of the university. The library has a plentiful and diversified collection of information resources. The collection of the library is developed in line with the requirements of offered courses as well as to support research endeavors being undertaken at the university. Providing support to scholarly pursuits and research activities along with curriculum related needs of the students and faculty of the university are the determinants for selection and procuring new library material. The UHS library is exploiting state-of-the-art technology and systems. Library is utilizing open source integrated library system i.e. Koha, to automate its operations. Similarly, EM based security system has been deployed to secure the library collections. The collection of the library is being added, with a steady pace, to keep the collection updated. Besides books on hardcore medical subjects, library also possesses some books of popular literature and Islam. Currently, UHS library houses over 11,000 printed and 50,000 electronic books, 23,000 electronic journals are accessible across the campus as well as remotely through VPN facility. Library also owns other materials including audios, videos, CD-ROMS, DVDs, etc. In order to provide maximum facilitation to faculty and students of the university, seminar libraries have also been established within the academic departments of the university. These seminar libraries help faculty of concerned department to fulfill their information needs immediately. The professional and para-professional staff of the UHS library remains available round the clock to assist library users in their academic endeavours through high quality innovative services.

The books and other reading materials are arranged subject wise into various sections. The library material has been classified through internationally recognized; the Dewey Decimal classification scheme, which provides basis to catalogue and shelving of information resources.

Library Timings

Library Collections

The library has a range of collections both in print and electronic formats. The major collections are:

General Collection

This is the main collection containing high quality selective books related to the UHS academic programmes. The major subject areas are Anatomy, Allied Health Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Pathology, Family Medicine, Forensic Sciences, Human Genetics & Molecular Biology, Haematology, Immunology, Medical Education, Microbiology, Morbid Anatomy & Histopathology, Nursing, Oral Biology, Oral Pathology, Physiology, and Pharmacology Public Health and Physiotherapy. The general collection also contains some selected books on famous literature and Islam.

Reference Collection

A variety of current reference sources are available In the library. This collection also contains dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks.

Electronic Resources

The library provides access to a number of electronic resources which include more than 23,000 e-journals and e-books. Access to these resources is also available remotely through VPN facility

UHS Digital Library

UHS library is planning to create its own digital library with the help of open source technologies. The UHS digital library will contain digital resources such as electronic books, faculty research, student projects, theses and presentations.

Library Systems and Services

A help desk has been set up to provide in-depth reference and research support. Users can send their queries through telephone, and e-mail: [email protected] or EXT. 340

Circulation Services

Presently, UHS library does not offer lending services. However, students can read the library books with in the library. We are in process to initiate circulation services and these will be started very soon.

WI-FI Facility

Wi-Fi facility is available in the UHS Library. Patrons can use any device with a built-in wireless adaptor to avail this service.

Inter Library Loan (ILL)

UHS library has made special arrangements to obtain books and other information material through inter library loan from other libraries and information centres, if a book or item is not available in the library. Request can be placed through e-mail: [email protected] or EXT. 340